GERALD CLAYTON’S
PIEDMONT BLUES: A SEARCH FOR SALVATION FEATURING RENÉ MARIE
DIRECTED BY CHRISTOPHER MCELROEN PRODUCED BY THE AMERICAN VICARIOUS
Wednesday–Thursday, June 22–23, 2022, 7:30PM Harlem Stage Gatehouse Address: 150 Convent Avenue at West 135 Street, New York, NY 10031 Phone: 212.281.9240 ext. 19 | Website: www.harlemstage.org
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ABOUT THE EVENT Tonight’s performance is an homage to the Piedmont blues. Named for the Piedmont region of the U.S., this musical style has roots that go back to the 17th century as many enslaved people were in the Southeast. The music would become a balm for the suffering that African Americans endured throughout the Southeast during Jim Crow. Thanks to Gerald Clayton and the other exceptional artists who will perform in celebration of this rich cultural history and music. Thanks to director Christopher McElroen and producers the american vicarious. And thank you for joining us. Harlem Stage
PERFORMERS & CREATIVE TEAM GERALD CLAYTON & THE ASSEMBLY Gerald Clayton Piano René Marie Vocals Immanuel Wilkins Alto sax John Ellis Tenor sax Jason Marshall Baritone sax Marvin Sewell Guitar Tyrone Allen Bass Obed Calvaire Drums Maurice Chestnut Tap dancer WITH THE VOICES OF THE FLAME CHOIR Jeffrey S. Bolding Founder/Director Sopranos Lebab Fallin Melody Moore Eunice Newkirk Marjorie Steele
Altos Selene Breeden June Broxton Janine Quick
Tenors Frances L. Brown Christian Cooper Barbara Suarez Anita Wells
ABOUT THE EVENT CREATIVE TEAM Christopher McElroen Director Jaymes Jorsling Text Lizz Wright Text Liviu Pasare Video Designer Zach Weeks Lighting Designer Madisen Dempsey Stage Manager Neal Wilkinson Screen/Production Consultant Adrian D Cameron Assistant Video Designer Bentley Heydt Assistant Lighting Designer the american vicarious STAFF Christopher McElroen Artistic Director Erica Laird Producing Director Robyn Sunderland Marketing Manager Board of Directors: Andy Cmiel, Michael Goodin, Joan Magoolaghan, Christopher McElroen Piedmont Blues premiered at Duke Performances on December 2, 2016. Duke University was the lead commissioner of Piedmont Blues; co-commissioners included the Modlin Center for the Arts and University of Richmond, the Savannah Music Festival, and Strathmore Hall Foundation, Inc. Harlem Stage’s presentation of Piedmont Blues is made possible, in part, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts; New Music USA; and the Association of Performing Arts Professionals and their ArtsForward Grant Program, made possible with support from the Mellon Foundation. Critical support for the project has been provided by Music Maker Relief Foundation, a nonprofit based in Hillsborough, North Carolina, that preserves the musical traditions of the South by directly supporting musicians, ensuring that their voices will not be silenced by poverty and time. www.musicmaker.org Select photos by Timothy Duffy, Music Maker Relief Foundation. “A Black Man Talks to God” written and performed by Horace Williams. Special thanks to the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library at Duke University, and the Southern Folklife Collection at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, for serving as research sites for Piedmont Blues. Special Thanks: Lindsey Nelson
ABOUT THE EVENT ARTIST STATEMENT Inspired by the personal discoveries that have unfolded through my artistic practice, I’m committed to continuing the search for truth and meaning in the creative process. I strive to make music that doesn’t simply entertain, but also provokes reflection, inquiry-driven music that ruminates on the human condition. I’m honored to be part of a musical lineage that values art as an essential part of intellectual development and spiritual growth. Piedmont Blues is an exceptional opportunity for me to manifest the emotional quality of the Piedmont blues through my compositions for The Assembly. The first music I can remember was piano-centric blues. The nuance of language and daily life that resides within the blues fascinates me. The blues feels close to home. The essence of the music is experiential in nature - a creative response to pain and suffering in daily life. My aim with this project is to capture the arc of African American pain and triumph through the expression of the Piedmont blues - to both illustrate the artistry specific to the Piedmont tradition, and to dig beneath the surface of the music to understand the core of the compositions and the struggle to overcome oppression, poverty and pain. - Gerald Clayton
BIOGRAPHIES
GERALD CLAYTON PIANO
Gerald Clayton searches for honest expression in every note. The six-time GRAMMY-nominated pianist-composer and recent Blue Note Artist began formal studies at Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. He earned a BA in Piano Performance at USC’s Thornton School of Music under the instruction of Billy Childs, following a year of intensive study with NEA Jazz Master Kenny Barron at The Manhattan School of Music. Clayton has collaborated with such distinctive artists as Diana Krall, Roy Hargrove, Dianne Reeves, Terence Blanchard, John Scofield, Terri Lyne Carrington, Peter Bernstein, Ambrose Akinmusire, Gretchen Parlato, Ben Wendel, the Clayton Brothers Quintet and legendary band leader Charles Lloyd. Clayton honors the legacy of his father, bassist-composer John Clayton, and all his musical ancestors through a commitment to exploration and honesty.
CHRISTOPHER MCELROEN DIRECTOR
Christopher McElroen is a Brooklynbased media artist committed to generating artistic content, across disciplinary boundaries, that aspires to reflect on America: its ideals and realities and that which unites and divides its people. He is the Founding Artistic Director of the American vicarious. Christopher’s two most recent projects, Debate: Baldwin -V- Buckley and Static Apnea (2020), were both listed as “Highbrow and Brilliant” by the New York Magazine’s Approval Matrix. In collaboration with Grammy Award nominee Gerald Clayton, Christopher co-developed and directed Piedmont Blues: A Search for Salvation.
RENÉ MARIE
VOCALS
René Marie is a very rare artist. A modern vocal icon, her unique artistry has been recognized with multiple domestic and international awards including two GRAMMY Award nominations for Best Jazz Vocal Album. A lyricist / composer / arranger / playwright / actress / educator / speaker / and social justice activist, René is an Americana roots artist with jazz improvisational chops. Influenced by her southern upbringing, she incorporates folk, R&B, country and classical elements into her music and approach, lending her a unique sound and style that have captivated audiences worldwide. Over a span of two decades, 11 recordings and countless festival and concert stage performances, René inspires people with her artistry, her life story and her ability to affirm the power of the human spirit. Her latest GRAMMY recording, Sound of Red (Motéma), celebrates her life story. René exclaims of her current concept, Pain + Wisdom = Beauty™
BIOGRAPHIES MARVIN SEWELL
GUITAR
Marvin Sewell is a musician, composer, and producer whose distinct sound encompasses a“fantasy fusion” of jazz, blues, funk, alternative, and world music. From Chicago, Marvin began playing guitar in grade school and when he attended high school, he played with the Malcolm X Community College Big Band and jammed with many local basement bands. He went on to perform with such legendary Chicago musicians as Von Freeman, Ramsey Lewis, Billy Branch, Jody Christian, Big Time Sarah, and Barbara La Shore. After studying composition at Roosevelt University, Sewell moved to New York and soon joined Jack Dejohnette’s Special Edition. In 1995, Marvin began a 15-year collaboration with multiple GRAMMY award-winning recording artists Cassandra Wilson—serving as lead guitarist, arranger, band leader, and served musical director for a total of 7 years... In addition to leading The Marvin Sewell Group, he has toured and/or played with a host of leading artists including Angelique Kidjo, Herbie Hancock, Charles Earland, Wayne Shorter,Chaka Khan, Brian Blade, Tom Scott, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Terri Lynn Carrington, Geri Allen, Lizz Wright, Diedre Murray, Fred Hopkins, Amy Mann, Kurt Elling, Jef Lee Johnson, Marc Cary, Mark Isham, Gary Thomas, Greg Osby, Frank Foster, Jorge Sylvester, Regina Carter, Dianne Reeves, and Lila Downs, Charles Lloyd, Brandi Carlile, and many others…
OBED CALVAIRE DRUMS
Obed Calvaire, a native of Miami and of Haitian descent, is a graduate with both a master and bachelor degree of music from one of America’s premier private music conservatories in the nation, Manhattan School of Music. He received his bachelor’s degree in 2003, completing the undergraduate degree requirements in three years and receiving his master’s in 2005. Mr. Calvaire has performed and recorded with artists such as Wynton Marsalis, Seal, Eddie Palmeri, Vanessa Williams, Dave Holland, David Foster, Mary J. Blige, Stefon Harris, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Peter Cincotti, Music Soulchild, Nellie McKay, Yellow Jackets, Joshua Redman, Steve Turre, and Lizz Wright to name a few. He has also performed with large ensembles such as the Village Vanguard Orchestra, Metropole Orchestra, The Clayton Brothers, The Mingus Big Band, Roy Hargrove big band, and the Bob Mintzer Big Band.Currently, Obed Calvaire can be found playing with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsealis, Dave Holland, Monty Alexander, Sean Jones, Yosvany Terry, Mike Stern among others.
BIOGRAPHIES JOHN ELLIS
TENOR SAXOPHONE
John Ellis is widely recognized as one of New York’s premier tenor saxophone voices. With more than 150 album credits as a sideman, John can be heard with artists as diverse as Kendrick Scott Oracle, Edward Simon, Darcy James Argue, Dr. Lonnie Smith, and Helen Sung. John has released 13 albums as a leader, three of those featuring his New Orleans-centered band Double-Wide. His latest release, Say It Quiet, is on the Sunnyside record label.
IMMANUEL WILKINS
ALTO SAXOPHONE
Philadelphia area-born alto saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Immanuel Wilkins is on a mission—to create music that has a profound spiritual and emotional impact. From a young age, Wilkins immersed himself in the music of his church and took up learning opportunities at the Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts, Jazz House Kids and ultimately finished his studies at The Juilliard School. Wilkins has performed with artists as diverse as Jason Moran, Odean Pope, Bill Frisell, Kenny Barron, Joel Ross, Lalah Hathaway, Solange Knowles, Bob Dylan, and Wynton Marsalis. As a leader, Wilkins tours internationally with his quartet and has released two critically acclaimed recordings for Blue New Records: Omega (2020) and The 7th Hand (2022)
JASON MARSHALL BARITONE SAXOPHONE
Jason Marshall’s 2003 arrival in New York City signified the continuation of hard swinging, forward thinking baritone saxophone playing. With early encouragement to appreciate all types of music, Marshall has developed a style that encompasses African-American music. A special interest is given to the amalgamation of soul, R&B, funk and straight-ahead jazz. Years of dedication and perseverance have resulted in a giant, soulful sound and instantly appealing concept. Influences such as Leo Parker, Nick Brignola and Bruce Johnstone have coalesced to ensure an open perception of the baritone sax and a “take -no-prisoners” approach to playing jazz music. Marshall has studied with no less than the elite baritone saxophone specialists of the 20th century including Hamiett Bluiett, Ronnie Cuber and Gary Smulyan. These Three masters of the instrument have contributed invaluably to Jason Marshall’s ability, each one pouring their own personal wealth of knowledge into him. Other teachers include altoists Bruce Williams, Mark Gross, Steve Wilson, Vincent Herring and tenor players Greg Tardy, Wayne Escoffrey and Paul Carr. Mr. Lorenz Wheatley garners special distinction as being Jason’s first saxophone teacher and earliest source of musical direction. Marshall’s formative musical experiences include stints with the Thad Wilson Jazz Orchestra and Bluesman Roy Gaines, touring with the late Roy Hargrove bands such as RH Factor and the Roy Hargrove Big Band. Marshall’s band “Overt Negritude” has Released its debut, self-titled album. Jason Marshall has also conducted numerous demonstrations, clinics and workshops at every level of education throughout the world.
BIOGRAPHIES TYRONE ALLEN II BASS
Born and raised in Temple Hills, MD, Tyrone Allen II began his musical journey on recorder at the age of 3. Taking instruction from his father who taught in DC public schools, Tyrone developed an ear for a variety of music very early on. He studied Jazz and Classical music at Eastman School of Music under Jeff Campbell and James van Demark respectively, and then went on to attend the Berklee College of Music. There he received a Masters of Music from the Berklee Global Jazz Institute. Tyrone now resides in Brooklyn, NYC and is making an impact on the NYC jazz scene. He has played with the late, great Ralph Peterson, Terri-Lynne Carrington, George Garzone, Jerry Bergonzi, Sullivan Fortner, David Kikoski and JD Allen, to name a few since graduating from Berklee. Most recently Tyrone has performed around the globe with Jazzmeia Horn, Laurin Talese, and has performed and recorded with Rodney Green’s newest project, Jackson Miller.
MAURICE CHESTNUT
TAP DANCER
Newark, New Jersey native Maurice Chestnut began dancing at the age of five, under the direction of Mr. Alfred Gallman. He became a professional dancer at the age of nine as an original member of the New Jersey Tap Ensemble under the direction of Ms. Deborah Mitchell. As one of tap’s brightest young stars, he was featured on The Sally Jesse Raphael Show in the “My Kid’s A Star” segment, where he proudly proclaimed that he loved to dance and would keep doing it “until I die”. He was a gold medalist in the NAACP Act-So
competition and was crowned “Top Dog Performer” at The Apollo Theater. At the age of fourteen, the Newark Star-Ledger’s arts reviewers named Maurice, “one of the twenty New Jersey faces to watch for in the new millennium”. In 2003, Maurice was recruited by tap master Savion Glover to join the national touring company of the Tony Award winning Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk. Maurice received critical favor in that role. He has continued to work with Savion as a member of his Improvography and Bare Soundz tours, as well as performing in productions such as Classical Savion, Tappin’ Into Monk, Invitation To The Dancer and on ABC-TV’s Dancing With The Stars. Off-Broadway credits include Shades of Harlem, The Wiz, Bubbling Brown Sugar directed by George Faison at Atlanta’s Fox Theater and Can I Hit That. Maurice has developed an impressive list of credits. In addition to performing with his own band, he is often invited to perform or tour as a special guest with such prominent jazz musicians as Christian McBride, Cyrus Chestnut and Thelonius Monk III. His high profile engagements have included the JVC Jazz Festival, the Playboy Jazz Festival, The Apollo Theater and Birdland, as well as appearances at Carnegie Hall and throughout Europe with the Geri Allen Trio. As a featured soloist and choreographer, Maurice skillfully uses these venues to further develop his signature style of “playing tap” as a “live instrument”.
VOICES OF THE FLAME. FOUNDER/DIRECTOR JEFF BOLDING Voices of the Flame aka “VOTF” pronounced as “Votif” was founded by musician/composer, Jeff Bolding, in 2000 as an extension of his group “Daughters of the Flame.” Like “Daughters”, “VOTF “was created to fill a gap in the New York music choral scene where gospel, R&B, or pop music could be provided by a non-church or religious entity. Since that time VOTF has been singing in various venues within the NY/NJ area and has traveled to Limon, Costa Rica (August 2019). Venues
BIOGRAPHIES include several seasons with The Harlem School of the Arts, Black Nativity and Holiday Extravaganzas performances, Greek Chorus- The Gospel at Colonus, Central Park’s Delacorte Theater (July 2018), Carnegie Hall- The Japan Kocarina Ensemble; featuring, Bolding’s original composition God Bless Japan with The Harlem Japanese Gospel Choir (Nov 2019), NJPAC, Christian McBride’s production, The Movement Revisited Nov 2021 (note: VOTF provided background vocals on McBride’s 2008 recording of The Movement Revisited). Recently participated with The Harlem Japanese Gospel Choir in the first “Japan Day Parade” in NYC (May 2022). VOTF first appeared with Gerald Clayton in Piedmont Blues in January 2020, at NYC’s Sheen Center. VOTF is delighted to again be a part of this soul stirring production.
ABOUT THE AMERICAN VICARIOUS the american vicarious is a not-for-profit generator of creative content across disciplinary boundaries that aspires to reflect on America’s ideals and realities and that which unites and divides its people.
LIVIU PASARE
VIDEO DESIGNER
Liviu has a Chicago-based practice creating immersive and interactive experiences using the video and digital projections. He has been affiliated with various artists and groups including, Luftwerk, Nick Cave, Bob Faust, The Seldoms, House Theater, Chicago Children’s Theater, Collaboraction, Cabinet of Curiosity, Victory Gardens, Urban Theater, Blue Man Group, Lucky Plush and many others. For more info visit liviu.stoptime.liv
OUR SUPPORTERS
This program is supported, in part, by public funds from The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in Partnership with the City Council. Harlem Stage’s Programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.
ABOUT HARLEM STAGE Harlem Stage is the performing arts center that bridges Harlem’s cultural legacy to contemporary artists of color and dares to provide the artistic freedom that gives birth to new ideas. For nearly 40 years our singular mission has been to perpetuate and celebrate the unique and diverse artistic legacy of Harlem and the indelible impression it has made on American culture. We provide opportunity, commissioning, and support for artists of color, make performances easily accessible to all audiences, and introduce children to the rich diversity, excitement, and inspiration of the performing arts. We fulfill our mission through commissioning, incubating, and presenting innovative and vital work that responds to the historical and contemporary conditions that shape our lives and the communities we serve.
Board of Directors Courtney F. Lee-Mitchell, President Jamie Cannon, Vice President Michael Young, Secretary Mark Thomas, Treasurer Stefany Bergson Angela Glover Blackwell Jamila Ponton Bragg
JoAnn K. Chase Patricia Cruz Hugh Dancy and Claire Danes Trevor Gale Jenette Kahn LaChanze Sapp-Gooding Tamara Tunie
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